In the realm of filmmaking, no matter how meticulously crafted a narrative may be, there are invariably keen-eyed viewers ready to spot even the slightest discrepancies. This trend has held true for the latest thriller released on Netflix, “Leave The World Behind,” featuring the stellar performances of Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as a husband and wife navigating an apocalyptic nightmare.
The storyline revolves around the family’s attempt to navigate societal collapse, delving into the challenges they face during these tumultuous times. However, some eagle-eyed viewers have noted what they consider a major plot hole in the narrative.
A prevalent theme in the movie is the on-screen daughter, Rose, portrayed by Roberts, expressing an obsession with the TV show “Friends.” Despite the chaos of an end-of-the-world scenario, Rose is determined to watch the last episode of the beloved sitcom. This dedication raises questions among fans, particularly because Julia Roberts herself appeared on “Friends” in Season 2, Episode 12, titled “The One After The Super Bowl,” where she played Chandler’s love interest.
This apparent contradiction prompted viewers to take to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their queries. One person succinctly raised the issue: “If Rose from Leave The World Behind was obsessed with Friends, that means at some point during S02E12 (The One After the Super Bowl) she was probably like, ‘…Mom?’”
Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning why this apparent oversight wasn’t addressed within the show’s narrative. The Friends-obsessed character in “Leave The World Behind” seemed to show no recognition or acknowledgment of her mother’s appearance on the iconic sitcom.
However, director Sam Esmail provided clarity on this apparent plot hole in an interview with The Messenger. Esmail explained that, within the film’s universe, Julia Roberts is not portraying the character Amanda; instead, she is simply Rose’s mother, Amanda Sanford. From Rose’s perspective, her mother could resemble other people in the world.
Esmail offered a nuanced perspective, stating, “On a purely intellectual level, in this universe, Julia Roberts is not playing Amanda. There’s just Rose’s mom, Amanda Sanford.” He delved into the complexity of the situation, suggesting that while there might be a passing resemblance between Roberts’ character on “Friends” and Rose’s mother, Rose likely wouldn’t think twice about it.
Addressing the creative decision, Esmail emphasized his desire to explore how Roberts would react to the inclusion of her past character, noting the positive response from the actress. He shared, “When Julia read the script, of course, I was so curious about her reaction, and, ultimately, I think we all smile every time we realized the connection. In that way, emotionally, it even adds to the satisfaction.”
In light of Esmail’s explanation, it appears that the perceived plot hole has been effectively addressed, offering viewers a nuanced understanding of the film’s narrative choices and the complex interplay between characters and universes.
